WV Senators Support DISCLOSE Act - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

A bill to reform campaign finance has the support of both West Virginia senators.

Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, both Democrats, voted in favor of the DISCLOSE Act, which would require companies and special interest groups to disclose large donors who contribute more than $10,000 for campaign-related expenditures. In addition, the bill would require CEOs to certify they have not coordinated with candidates on political spending. The bill failed the Senate 51-44. A three-fifths majority was required to advance the bill, which Manchin said would have leveled the playing field.

"This bill makes sure every person and organization plays fairly by the same rules, whether those organizations are in the middle, left, right, forward, backward or upside down," Manchin said. "The people of this country have a right to know who is spending large amounts of money to influence elections, and this bill would simply make that information available."

Manchin said since the U.S. Supreme Court decided the Citizens United campaign finance case, "we have seen outside groups unleash an unprecedented flood of money to sway elections."

That 2010 decision held that the First Amendment prevents government from restricting independent political expenditures by corporations and unions. Citizens United, a nonprofit group, wanted to air a film that was critical of Hillary Clinton and advertise that film during TV broadcasts. To do so would have been in violation of the 2002 McCain-Feingold Act. The Supreme Court decided 5-4 that portions of that act violated the First Amendment.  

Many in Congress, and President Barack Obama, have been openly critical of the Supreme Court's ruling. Rockefeller said allowing special interests to pay for political campaigns undermines the faith people have in the American political system.

"It's the people, not special interests, who should determine the right direction for our country," Rockefeller said. "The Supreme Court's ruling in 2010 put too much power and influence in the hands of large companies and special interests who don't have to report to anyone. This bill would reverse that course and restore the confidence and strong voice that everyday Americans deserve in our political process."